Throwing Stones

“’Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’ Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one” (John 8:7b-9a, NLT).

“The hoes of two people cultivating together in a field sometimes clash.” This Tanzanian proverb means it is normal to have problems with people nearby or in relationships.

Once, when a group of religious leaders was getting ready to stone to death a woman accused of adultery, they asked Jesus’s opinion on the case. To get the whole picture, read this story in John 8:2-11. Jesus said, “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.” He pointed out that they judged her guilt to be worse than their own. Eventually, each person left, admitting to having their own areas of sin and guilt, too.

Jesus warns against this tendency again, using a story in Luke 18:9-14. He pits a man of God, a Pharisee, against a corrupt government official. The man of God comes to the place of worship and describes his goodness before God and people. He enumerates all the righteous things he does and the sinful things he avoids. The corrupt official, on the other hand, knows he is a sinner and humbly repents, calling on God’s mercy.

Both men were in conflict with God because of their sins, but only one would admit it. The man who had an accurate view of himself resolved his dispute with God. The person determined to look down on others did not. A proper assessment of ourselves, as well as a recognition of the image of God in others and their value to him, will help us resolve conflicts.

Reflection

As you reflect on a recent conflict, prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any sinful tendencies that contributed to the conflict. Thank God for his image in that person and ask him to help you see that clearly. Ask God for the courage and opportunity to own your part in the conflict.